An "intense" island, the word remains weak to summarize the amount of emotions you will experience in Reunion Island. Its circuses, peaks and ramparts, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will make you dizzy. Its beaches, lagoons and burning sun will seduce you at first glance. An exceptional natural heritage that makes the island a real paradise for sports enthusiasts. And, not to spoil anything, the Reunionese will make you discover the soul of their small country, steeped in a colonial history that has literally forged its identity. "Koman i lé", they will tell you to welcome you to their home, on this volcanic land, a patchwork of the world, with constantly changing influences. Breathless by the diversity of its landscapes, its climates, its crossbreeding, you will naturally answer it with "Lé là ! (it's fine)", well arrived, on this pebble with a thousand facets, lost in the Indian Ocean.
A volcano and enchanting circuses
No need for a visa to escape the winter temperatures of France and enjoy an exotic destination like Reunion Island. The island is one of the largest tropical destinations from Paris. And the asset that makes each visitor crack is of course its volcano.
Unlike other tropical islands resolutely oriented towards their seaside resorts, Reunion Island draws its assets from its tormented and majestic landscape, built over the years by its two volcanoes: the Piton des Neiges, the roof of the Indian Ocean, and the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active on the planet. You will have no trouble admiring its splendours, sometimes on the roads of the south of the island, where the first one takes shape behind the laces of the Dimitile slopes, sometimes on the track of the Plaine des Sables with its vast lunar expanses, leading you, lucky enough, to the Pas-de-Bellecombe to contemplate the reddish glow of yet another eruption of the second.
At this altitude (nearly 2,000 m) where good shoes and a good windproof jacket are essential, even in the austral summer months, you will probably need to warm up around a good Creole quarry or go down to the coast to enjoy the hot sun on the western beaches.
After a nautical break in the protected areas and once again open to the public at Étang-Salé, Les Roches Noires or Boucan Canot, the most mythical beaches, you will certainly want to get some fresh air in the Reunion Island circuses. These strange geological collapses are home to villages with incredible charm and preserved and affirmed Creole traditions. Mafate, accessible for a few hours of walking through winding paths, Cilaos and its indomitable road, and finally Salazie with its lush vegetation, will make you forget, for a few hours or a few days, the bustle of coastal cities. As much to tell you as for us, Reunion Island is mainly lived on its heights. Because the coast, seen from above, is even more beautiful and the National Park that protects the heart of the island is a wonder to the eyes, rich in endemic flora to envy all botanists. This natural heritage is also part of UNESCO's World Heritage List. But those who don't like hiking can rest assured: thanks to the Maison du Parc national and its gardens at Plaine des Palmistes, you too can become unbeatable on the 230 endemic species recorded.
The thrills of the program
For the more sporty, extreme activities are more and more common on the island. Whether it is for a parachute jump at an altitude of 3,800 m, or, less high but just as intense, a rappel descent into a ravine, Reunion Island is there, just under your feet
For experienced athletes, the Grand Raid is a renowned international competition where the objective is to cross the island by its most difficult paths and in a minimum of time: but be careful, a serious preparation is frankly necessary (some raiders train for almost a year).
A fan of motor sports? Rallys attract crowds and in Saint-Anne and Saint-Louis you will find circuits to introduce you to sports driving and karting. Finally, if you are an experienced climber, why not go down to the Trou de Fer? In the hollow of this rocky cavity several hundred meters deep, a waterfall will rock your sleep halfway through the journey, nestled in a small basalt niche.
The meeting is back to surfing
For water sports, the most famous surf and bodyboard spots are once again accessible, thanks to nets set up at Les Roches Noires, Boucan Canot and l'Étang-Salé. But if these activities are allowed in these areas alone, the greatest caution is strongly recommended against the risk of shark damage. Since 2011, frequent and often fatal shark attacks have made the headlines in the local and national press. Faced with the very real danger, the State therefore decided to prohibit the practice of "water activities using wave power" and swimming, except in lagoons and areas developed and monitored outside the lagoon. Tensions remain high between skiers and snowboarders and the State, which does not hesitate to issue a ticket in the event of an offence. But the risk of the contravention remains derisory in the face of the deadly risk of finding oneself in front of a shark by defying the prohibitions. On the other hand, as specified in the prefectoral decree, swimming and other activities remain authorized in the lagoon and the supervised and landscaped areas. Divers, on the other hand, can continue to admire the depths without any fear.
Urban walks and fairground markets
To recover from long days of sports, the island offers a few visits and pleasant urban walks. In Saint-Denis, the capital, there are a few must-see attractions: the rue de Paris and its architectural splendours, the Barachois (very lively boulevard at weekends) and the rue du Maréchal-Leclerc, known for its very varied shops. To discover in detail the stories of the great names of the capital, opt for a guided tour proposed by the Tourist Office at Maison Carrère. In the West, a region of beaches and hotels, you can have fun in a disco on the latest tropical and international hits. In the South, Saint-Pierre has become a must for its nightlife. It is a good idea to stroll along the coastal boulevard and the particularly well-designed port before sipping a cocktail in one of the many bars in the city. Finally, in the East, do not hesitate to get lost in the crossroads: because the treasures of Creole charm and Reunionese hospitality are often revealed by a happy coincidence.
Before you take your flight home, take the time to look for the rare gem of your memories in the fairground markets. They are real meeting places and you will find local creations and original gift ideas. The Saint-Paul fairground market, which is held on Friday all day and Saturday morning, is the most important on the island, but the Saint-Pierre fair is also a must on Saturday morning
Smart info
When? When? The most beautiful period is from September to October, to enjoy the beaches, trails and relatively mild temperatures. In high season, from December to April, a few cyclones can disrupt your schedule, but you can enjoy the delicious local fruits without moderation: mangoes, lychees and other longanis.
Getting there. XL Airways offers round-trip tickets Paris-CDG / Saint-Denis de La Réunion. Allow 11 hours of flight time.
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